The simple act of bag modification has been confirmed as a legitimate tactic.

A spokesperson for the greetings card company told PRW magazine: "The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that not charging for bags without handles complies with the regulations as they stand."

The move has not been appreciated by all however.

Shops proper stingin on these bags, Card Factory's ent even got handles, which to me is more like a sack, not a bag. pic.twitter.com/mN4pn6hKSw